Values

To get through all of this, we need to do more with less in terms of how leaders lead, the standards we set, what we must learn, understand and apply, and how we act and communicate to prevent, detect and correct problems while remaining faithful to our values and missions.

To celebrate Workforce Management's 90th anniversary, we're running a series of articles looking at important workforce-related issues with a then-and-now theme. The first installment deals with workplace safety in the 1920s and what's going on in that area today. Next month, we look at the 1930s and employer-sponsored pension plans.

Nothing says more about China's booming auto market than the generous bonus given by the FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. The joint venture carmaker awarded its employees with a bonus that equals to 27 months of salary. On top of that, employees also received double salary for eight months this year.

I met with a group of talented, thoughtful executives recently. We discussed values, culture and the role of speaking up in the face of organizational misdeeds. As we talked about leadership, I was asked a challenging question.

The bottom line is that a corner office—with all its demands—is less appealing. Here's how one consultant describes a common mindset today: “The headache isn't worth it. I'd rather be able to spend time with the kids.”